Mark Werner named new Spokane Valley police chief

Patrol Cmdr. Capt. Mark Werner was selected among three candidates to become the new police chief of Spokane Valley.

Werner will replace Rick VanLeuven who retires on June 30 after spending nine years as Spokane Valley’s police chief.

Acting City Manager Mark Calhoun made the appointment following group interviews conducted last week.

Werner has 30 years of experience with law enforcement and has been with the Sheriff’s Office for 21 years. He’s a United States Air Force veteran and holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University.

Candidates for Spokane Valley’s police chief are selected by Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich because the Valley contracts for law enforcement services with the Sheriff’s Office.

Investigations Cmdr. Capt. John Nowels and Intelligence Cmdr. Capt. Dave Ellis were the two other candidates selected by Knezovich.